Jesse King is a reporter with the Whanganui Chronicle
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Best of 2019: My 'Ferrari' ride down the Whanganui River
Motor Vessel Wairua was in her element cruising 50km up the Whanganui River.
Best of 2019: Plans revealed for North Mole and Morgan St
Horizons are in the early stages of gaining consent to design a rebuild of the North Mole.
Best of 2019: Ten of 26 sawn-off and stolen signs recovered
A resident found the Springvale signs on Rapauni Rd and they are being put back up
Best of 2019: Bit by bit: How the 'fragile' Thain's building is being demolished
South walls stand with no support as Central Demolition deals with fire-gutted building.
Best of 2019: School rallies around family following damaging house fire
Led by Paula Carter, the PTA have gathered things like clothes and toiletries for them.
Best of 2019: Whanganui woman graduates with Master of Nursing while raising five children and working fulltime
Amy Hina graduated with a Master of Nursing while raising five kids and working full time.
Best of 2019: Thain's fire: 'How we fought Whanganui's biggest fire in years'
Gary Ward describes the sequence of events as they unfolded on Saturday night.
Best of 2019: 'Absolute disgrace': SH4 slip repairs still waiting
NZTA says repair work scheduled, but give no timeframe as options are assessed.
Best of 2019: Couple's unconventional journey into teaching
At 40 and 35-years-old, Tim and Maggie Pauro embarked on a new career journey
Best of 2019: Safety concerns lead to demolition of Kaitoke Hall
NZTA believed the proximity of the Kaitoke Hall to SH3 presented multiple concerns.
Best of 2019: Daughter of a champion follows her own path
Young rower Grace Hogan is set for an American adventure.
Best of 2019: Gun pointed at scared Castlecliff Hotel owner during robbery
Not for the first time, Amninderpal Singh found himself facing the barrel of a gun
Best of 2019: Over $16,000 worth of tools stolen from man's workshop
Alex Faulkner used to work at Weta Workshop and creates things such as props and models.
Best of 2019: Man who lost half his bodyweight holding fundraiser
Adrian Campbell weighed 200kg when a friend sat him down and outlined her concerns.
Tricky final step in Thain's demolition
The best way to remove the final wall beside Thai Villa restaurant needs to be evaluated.
Nonagenarian reluctantly retires
After 54 years of coaching students and maintaining the pool, John Howell has retired.
Stadiums rely on funding to keep facilities up to scratch
Wanganui Community Sports Centre to upgrade Jubilee and Springvale floors.
Caught on camera: Man's brazen bid to steal $123 rump
The Mad Butcher's Dave Tighe said he was proud of his employee and gave her a reward.
Blind fury: $7500 veranda blinds stolen from kindergarten
They were installed in June and used to create an extra learning space for the children.
Seventh heaven for Whanganui man at World Cup in Japan
Bernie Owen has been to his seventh Rugby World Cup with his sons, grandson and good mate.
Local body elections: Two new faces on Whanganui District Council
Brent Crossan and James Barron earn seats at the table.
Local elections: Six new councillors elected to Rangitikei, incumbents hold seats
Six new people will be sitting at the table as six did not seek re-election.
Thieves 'rip soul' from Gonville artist
Claire Gibney is picking up the pieces after her workshop was broken into.
Councillor slams NZTA over SH4 closure
Helen Craig says the road is closed for no reason other than massive under-investment.
New staffer aims to give youth positive focus
Hannah Whiteman aims to get youth studying or into jobs so they don't get into mischief.
Watch: Massive section of State Highway slips down hill near Whanganui
Regional leaders including the mayors of Ruapehu and Whanganui are bracing for impact.
Local named in Emergency Management Assistance Team
Anthony Edwards brings seven years of civil defence experience to the team.
Former Miss World NZ teaches students about sexual violence
Jessica Tyson found confidence in pageants, now she is helping others find their voice.
Police officer says NZ attitude to mental health issues 'crap'
Following a vehicular assault, Matt Davis was struggling and help was hard to find.
Passionate crowd urges climate change action
They came, they listened and they chanted at Majestic Square in Whanganui.
Security camera theft puts other projects on hold
Castlecliff NZ's James Barron would like to sit down and chat with who took them.
R&B/soul trio IGYB release new music video
The E Tū Whānau Song Competition winner has a new video filmed in Whanganui
Name suppression: Why it's ordered and shouldn't be ignored
Locals wanted those accused of offending in the Jasmine Wilson homicide case known.
'Tractor Pete' mailbox travels home again
A Whanganui couple have been reunited with their priceless mailbox after it was stolen.
Fatal hit and run: Police seek info on two cars
They would like to hear from the occupants of two specific cars as well as foot traffic.
Review: Aussie artist's fast fingers dazzle the crowd at Lucky Bar
Tullara showed Whanganui why artists such as John Butler have been singing her praises.
Amnesty for signs stolen from work sites
Nine signs went missing over two weekends while they carried out a job on Ingestre St.
Awa Kings Muay Thai receives funds for new equipment
A second NZCT grant has opened the door for new training routines and more.
Thain's building demolition nears completion
A couple of days' work to go and then an archaeologist will examine the scene.
Couple's beloved mailbox 'Tractor Pete' stolen
The mailbox, made of gas bottles, weighs about 15kg and is special to the Lithgows.
Dinosaur museum to open in Raetihi
Ian Moore is set to realise his dream when The Dinosaur House opens on September 28.
Iconic Thain's farewelled by family of man who built it
Members of the Meuli family had one last visit to the Thain's building.
Suspected hit and run victim was Masonic Village resident
A letter has been circulated around the village informing residents of what has happened.
Tenants' water-damaged rental home forces payout
Rebecca Gibb and Terry McClelland were forced out of their rental property due to damage.
Obituary: Alyssa Louise Gedye remembered for strong commitment to family
Even when studying in Wellington she would bring presents home for her siblings.
Spaceman plans on discovering planets with Nasa
Sam Donald is part of a programme that is expected to uncover more than 20,000 planets.
Election 2019: What does Whanganui want out of its new council?
Lack of housing a common issue as others suggest funding wasted on unnecessary projects.
Trailer containing chiller panels stolen from Turakina
Darryl Vincent, of Vincent Meats, says the thief or thieves came to his property prepared.
Castlecliff rejuvenation conversation to resume on Thursday
Community results will be revealed as well as an artist's impression of the North Mole.
Gold Coin shopkeeper punched in the face
Whanganui Police are following strong leads of enquiry to locate the alleged offender.
Fallen focused on gaining Whanganui District Council seat
Fallen is back for another crack after securing 3459 votes in 2016.
Tiny house dream in tatters: Builder disappears with $40k
Liza and Shanon Casson say owning their dream home is no longer a reality.
Gold for Nga Tawa School student at NZ Taekwondo champs
Paloma Janse took down two higher-ranked opponents to go back-to-back.
Authority rules police right to shoot man at Vinegar Hill
Dick Keefe-Wilson was on meth and presented serious threats to the public and police.
Former ballet dancer explains how she rehabilitated soldiers
Jojo Bowman uses Pilates to help those that have suffered traumatic injuries in Denmark.
KiwiRail begins upgrade by replacing sleepers in Castlecliff
Work will continue between Castlecliff and the junction at Aramoho until mid-2020
Thain's building fire sinks business before it even opens
Cindy Munn was due to open her Good Earth Dispensary three days after it caught fire.
Drone takes pictures of Thain's to form 3D model for future
It will provide design information if someone wants to incorporate it into a new building.
NZTA and Horizons playing the waiting game on Anzac Pde
Repair work on the road has broken down and the site has been abandoned for weeks.
Poison not so toxic as teenager's photo wins top prize
Zoe Bracegirdle won the young photography category with a picture taken at Paloma Gardens.
Rugby: Collegiate wallop High School in 1st XV clash
The CNI competition leaders ran in 16 tries at well over a point per minute.
Veterans of finals rugby overcome first time team in Waverley
Border qualify for their fourth grand final in five years.
Contractors investigating cause of transformer fire
A transformer caught fire cutting power to nearly 1000 residents in Castlecliff on Sunday.
Firefighters extinguishing hotspot at scene of Saturday fire
Thain's building still smoking following 'massive blaze' that injured two on Saturday.
Whanganui River Adventures owners building new jet boat
Ken Haworth says business was booming this season and new capacity is required.
Football: City overcome early deficit to stay alive in Fed Cup
Versatile Wanganui City FC scored two second half goals to complete their comeback.
Rugby: Border make best use of conditions to beat Kaierau
Kicks finding space and bulldozing forward runs lead to 19-3 victory and final appearance.
South Taranaki man promoted to Sergeant Major of NZ Army
Wiremu Moffitt has gone from Auckland to Waverley to Patea to Palmerston North.
McDouall says PGF could fund critical infrastructure upgrades
Whanganui Airport is currently operating at a deficit of approximately $300,000.
Black Caps could inspire Whanganui's next generation
Could Black Caps performance inspire Whanganui locals?
Workshop aims to improve art teachers' techniques
Graham Hall tells all about the techniques he has learned in a long printmaking career.
MV Wairua sails to Downes Hut after 81 years
Sam Mordey explains how the vintage riverboat navigated 19 rapids over 50km to get there.
Wairarapa Ski Club uninhabitable following Ohakune fire
Clubs in close proximity have offered their support to those that were on holiday
Central crews extinguish fire at Wairarapa Ski Club
The building on Totara St in Ohakune was well-involved with fire
Unattended cooking believed to have started house fire
It spread through the roof of the Magnolia Crescent home, causing major damage and burns
Director of boarding to depart after six years at Nga Tawa
Raewyn Abraham cites age and family time as reasons for leaving Marton
Smoke billows from Magnolia Crescent following house fire
Three fire engines attended the scene and firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze
Women's Refuge benefits from high school fundraiser
Whanganui High School houses competed in collecting cans and toiletries.